AI sensing company MatrixSpace has partnered with Aerospace technology firm Sagetech Avionics to advance airspace integration solutions for crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
The collaboration has already yielded results with the two companies recently being selected as recipients of an HSWERX award from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their work in UAS detection and situational awareness. The project focuses on enhancing air detection capabilities in support of DHS missions, particularly those conducted by Customs and Border Protection.
At the heart of the project is the need to meet FAA guidelines for safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, especially for small drones classified as Group 3 and below. By enabling BVLOS capabilities, these smaller UAS platforms can extend their operational reach, a critical need in large or remote areas such as national borders and security zones.
Sagetech’s detect-and-avoid (DAA) avionics, including its onboard ACAS DAA computer, were paired with MatrixSpace’s radar technology to form the core of the awarded solution. MatrixSpace’s radar systems use AI-enhanced edge computing to deliver real-time object detection, classification and situational awareness without requiring cloud connectivity.
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“Our mission is to deliver low-SWaP certified avionics solutions that enable safe, scalable airspace integration,” said Rudy Johnson, Director of Business Development at Sagetech Avionics. “MatrixSpace is meeting the challenge, setting new standards in precision detection, making them key to meeting our customers’ demanding requirements.”
MatrixSpace’s sensors are designed for outdoor environments and are marketed as affordable tools for security, infrastructure protection and large-scale drone operations. The system integrates radar, AI processing and data fusion technologies to provide detailed tracking and threat detection capabilities.
“As autonomous aviation becomes ubiquitous, the need to integrate it safely into the National Airspace is key,” said Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer at MatrixSpace. “Working with Sagetech Avionics has demonstrated their commitment not only to high customer standards but also reaching for the most advanced, innovative solutions possible.”
